A class action lawsuit filed in Mississippi accuses xAI and SpaceX of creating a noise nuisance with the data center operations powering their artificial intelligence and space ventures. Residents living near the facility claim the constant hum and intermittent loud bursts have disrupted daily life, forcing some to abandon parts of their homes.
The Allegations
The lawsuit, brought on behalf of a group of unnamed plaintiffs, alleges that the data center generates noise levels well above what's reasonable for a residential area. It describes a low-frequency drone that never stops, punctuated by louder mechanical clangs and ventilation sounds. The plaintiffs argue that xAI and SpaceX have failed to install adequate sound barriers or adjust operating hours to mitigate the disturbance.
No specific decibel readings were provided in the filing, but the complaint claims the noise has caused sleep loss, stress, and a decline in property values. One plaintiff noted that outdoor activities like gardening or sitting on the porch have become unbearable.
The Defendants
XAI, the artificial intelligence company founded by Elon Musk, and SpaceX, his aerospace manufacturer, are both named in the suit. The two companies share a data center in Mississippi, part of a broader push by Musk's ventures to expand computing capacity for AI training and satellite communications. Neither company has publicly commented on the lawsuit.
The legal action marks the first major noise complaint against xAI's operations, though SpaceX has faced similar grievances near its launch sites in Texas and California. It's unclear whether the same data center serves both companies' needs or if separate facilities are involved.
The Location
The data center is located in a rural part of Mississippi, near the town of [not specified in facts]. Residents say the area was quiet before the facility went online about a year ago. The lawsuit does not specify which county, but court records place the filing in a state circuit court.
Local officials have not taken a public position on the matter. Zoning permits for the data center were approved before construction, and it's not clear whether noise ordinances were considered at the time. The plaintiffs are asking the court to order the companies to install soundproofing or limit hours of operation.
What Comes Next
The court will need to determine whether the noise qualifies as a private nuisance under Mississippi law. A hearing on the plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction is expected within weeks. If granted, xAI and SpaceX could be forced to temporarily reduce operations or add noise dampening measures until the full trial.
For now, residents wait — and listen.
